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UNESCO calls for ending impunity for crimes against journalists

5 November 2021

Last update:20 April 2023

Journalists are essential to preserving the fundamental right to freedom of expression, set out in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In the words of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, it is a journalist’s job to “speak truth to power”. However, this comes at a heavy price.

UNESCO recorded a global impunity rate of 87% for the killing of journalists between 2006 and 2020. This rate indicates that the majority of these cases are not speedily investigated and prosecuted.

To build awareness on the issue, a regional on-line event took place on the theme “Ensuring a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers” on 3 November 2021, the International Day for Ending Impunity (IDEI) for Crimes Against Journalists.

The event was organized by UNESCO New Delhi and the Delegation of the European Union for Sri Lanka and Maldives, with the support of the Ministry of Mass Media of Sri Lanka, The Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO and the Sri Lanka Press Institute.

Emphasis must be placed on prevention, by investigating threats before they lead to more aggression and harm. The judiciary needs to play its role of ensuring that these cases go through due legal process, which will send a strong message of zero tolerance for crimes against journalists.

Eric Falt, Director, UNESCO New Delhi in his opening remarks

91�鶹��Ʒ�� published the '' and ' to strengthen international legal standards on freedom of expression, access to information and journalists’ safety.

Lack of awareness among citizens, and formal training is one of the biggest challenges we face in Sri Lanka. Our Government has taken steps to educate the children on fundamentals of law and regulations, mass media circles were organized. I believe that by educating children and creating awareness of media and journalist protection.

Mr Dullas Alahapperuma, Hon’ble Minister of Mass Media of Sri Lanka

European Commission thinks safety of journalist of utmost importance. Investigation must be carried out against every incident of crime against journalists, so that the perpetrators are bought to justice.

Thorsten Bargfrede, Chargé d'Affaires Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and Maldives

The country presentations including recommendations were made on a variety of important topics related to the safety of journalists and freedom of expression by senior media specialists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka- and included draft recommendations from Nepal and Maldives.

The speakers unanimously supported the which is the result of a process that began in 2010 upon request of

Ending impunity for crimes against journalists is one of the most pressing issues to guarantee freedom of expression and access to information for all citizens. Between 2006 and 2020, over 1,200 journalists have been killed around the world, with close to 9 out of 10 cases of these killings remaining judicially unresolved, according to the UNESCO observatory of killed journalists.